Sumlin’s raises continue to be based on promise

Texas A&M still doesn’t know what it has yet. Kevin Sumlin’s success as a head coach is directly linked to two quarterbacks he inherited.

But the Aggies had no choice. They had to give him a bump in pay for the second season in a row because the alternative would have been far worse.

Athletic director Eric Hyman chose to be far more glowing Saturday in a release announcing the contract extension. Hyman talked about Sumlin’s “integrity, class and passion for his student-athletes and this University.”

Hyman also added this: “Coach Sumlin has demonstrated why he is considered among the nation’s elite football coaches.”

Sumlin has proven to be a smart man with a presence. He handled the transition year, arriving in College Station just as the Aggies were leaving for the SEC, and he do so smoothly.

That’s why his name has been lined to both USC and the NFL. After Baylor gave Art Briles a significant raise, Sumlin was in line.

But is Sumlin among the nation’s elite now? He found both Case Keenum and Johnny Manziel waiting for him at Houston and A&M, respectively.

And here’s what happened when he didn’t have Keenum or Manziel as his quarterback: Then, at UH when Keenum was injured, Sumlin went 5-7.

So the Aggies reacted to the market Saturday, and they needed to. But what Sumlin does next, after his Heisman winner leaves, will determine whether he is among the nation’s elite.